In what has become something of a rarity, 2012 IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay will sport the No. 1 next season.

The American will become the first IRL/IndyCar Series driver to carry the traditional champion's No. 1 on his Andretti Autosport car since Scott Dixon claimed the 2004 IndyCar title for Chip Ganassi.

"It is a huge honor to have earned the right to run the No. 1," said Hunter-Reay. "All of us at Andretti Autosport see this as a tremendous opportunity to leverage our sponsors, brands and message for 2013 and beyond. We certainly do not underestimate the task, however I assure you we are already hard at work and will do everything possible to earn the right to carry the coveted No. 1 in future years as well."

"The decision to switch to the No. 1 for the 2013 season was very tough. The No. 28 has so much meaning to so many," continued Hunter-Reay, whose new No. 1 logo has also retained the No. 28 branding. "But we recognized that our team, partners and sponsors have all earned the right to carry the No. 1 – we worked hard together and it's something they all deserve. Racing for Cancer's number one goal is to beat cancer and we realized that running the No. 1 with the No. 28 incorporated into the design, a very important detail to me personally, would provide us with an opportunity to strengthen the message and cause of beating cancer while at the same time recognizing our partners and sponsors dedication to excellence on, and off, the track."

The Andretti team also announced DHL has re-signed to serve as RHR's primary sponsor in 2013.